Haifa, Part I

street markets behind the Gallery Hotel in Haifa

Maybe not the most beautiful view of Haifa, Israel but certainly one of the most interesting. We stayed at an interesting hotel in an older, historic area, the Gallery Hotel. Behind the hotel there were numerous street markets selling everything imaginable.  The intensity of aromas from spices and foods was incredible. 

Arriving fairly late, we took a taxi from Tel Aviv. The hotel is located in an older but historic part of Haifa which is undergoing tremendous renovation. The street in front of the hotel was completely torn up, and honestly, after traveling for hours, it was a bit of a let down.  But once in the hotel, my anxiety vanished because not only was it extremely clean but quite interesting. Art is everywhere - scupture, paintings, whimsical pieces like this:

and this

There was an entire museum on the top floor, which we never made it to, and beautiful roof top views:

The staff is very gracious, friendly, and helpful; intrigued by our Southern accents.  Rooms in Israel are very small - at least ours were - but comfortable. That night we went to the dining room, very hungry, and were served enough food for a family. After the second course I just had to stop.

It was very hot when we were first in Haifa. We went up to Mt. Carmel, to the Bahai Gardens, walked all the way down to Ben Gurion Street in the German Quarter. 

I know I will go back to Israel. I hope to retire in 3-4 years and my husband and I plan to visit both Israel and England, our two favorite places.

At the Mahane Yehuda market, Jerusalem

My sister in law and I visited the Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem while we were in Israel. Right down the street from our hotel, the Lev Yerushalayim, we could walk there in less than 10 minutes.  It is a  fascinating  market place crammed with fresh fruit, vegetables, oils, nuts, spices, sweets, meat, cheese - "just about anything grown from or picked from the Israeli soil." (Lonely Planet, Israel and the Palestinian Territories). The smells are amazing: cinnamon,  pesto, paprika, coffee, fish - you feel you are in an exotic alternate universe! If you're hungry (when are we not?) you can chose from a number of restaurants. You can also find shops that sell non food items. I stepped in one tiny establishment that was not much bigger than my bathroom at home. It was stifling hot, in October no less. What must it be like in the summer?

We were a bit early the day we were there, so the vendors were just setting up. On my next trip, I will make a point to go in the early afternoon on Friday. In Israel, and especially in Jerusalem, Friday afternoons must be experienced. We were in Mea She'arim, an intensely Orthodox community in Jerusalem, around 2 pm just before Shabbat. It was crazy with activity; folks getting their business done before shutting down for the Sabbath. . I am truly in awe of the devotion and dedication of the people who live in this fascinating community.

Getting Close

Here's what the whole piece will look like. I finally decided on how to approach the center block. This looks okay to me.

Not finished with the handwork, you know how long that always takes me.

But, I like it. Can't wait to finish.

Leaving for London Sunday night, then to Tel Aviv. I will be gone for 2 weeks, then it's time for Houston.